Sandro Tonali’s role at Newcastle United has come under scrutiny as the Italian midfielder finds himself playing more minutes for his national team than for his club. Since returning from a 10-month gambling-related suspension in late August, Tonali has struggled to secure a regular starting position in Eddie Howe’s squad.
Calciomercato report that the numbers paint a clear picture of Tonali’s limited involvement at Newcastle. In 13 Premier League appearances, he has only started six games, coming off the bench in the other seven. His total playing time in the league amounts to just 650 minutes, with an additional two appearances in the League Cup. This is in stark contrast to his performances for the Italian national team, where he has been a consistent starter under manager Luciano Spalletti.
In recent Nations League matches, Tonali has played the full 90 minutes in five out of six games for Italy, contributing a goal and two assists. His performances for the Azzurri have showcased the dominance and impact he is capable of producing when given regular playing time.
The disparity between Tonali’s club and international roles has fueled speculation about his future at Newcastle. With a contract running until 2028 and a significant transfer fee of €58.9 million paid to AC Milan, Newcastle faces a decision on how to best utilize their asset. The club’s current 12th place position in the Premier League, far from European qualification spots, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
While a January transfer seems unlikely due to the complexities involved, rumors of a potential return to AC Milan have begun to circulate. Such a move would be welcomed by Milan fans, who envision Tonali completing a formidable midfield alongside Fofana and Reijnders. However, at this stage, any talk of a return to the Rossoneri remains in the realm of fantasy football.
